University of Virginia Library

Jian-guan went the axle ends of my carriage ,
As I thought of the young beauty , and went [to fetch her] .
It was not that I was hungry or thirsty ,
But [I longed] for one of such virtuous fame to come and be with me .
Although no good friends be with us ,
We will feast and be glad .

Dense is that forest in the plain ,
And there sit the long-tailed pheasants .
In her proper season that well-grown lady ,
With her admirable virtue , is come to instruct me .
We will feast , and I will praise her .
' I love you , and will never be weary of you . '

Although I have no good spirits ,
We will drink [what I have] , and perhaps [be satisfied] .
Although I have no good viands ,
We will eat [what I have] , and perhaps [be satisfied] .
Although I have no virtue to impart to you ,
We will sing and dance .

I ascend that lofty ridge ,
And split the branches of the oaks for firewood .
I split the branches of the oaks for firewood ,
Amid the luxuriance of their leaves .
I see you whose match is seldom to be seen ,
And my whole heart is satisfied .

The high hill is looked up to ;
The great road is easy to be travelled on .
My four steeds advanced without stopping ;
The six reins [made music] in my hands like lute-[strings] .
I see you my bride ,
To the comfort of my heart .